Staff Reports
President Joe Biden has once again shown his knack for putting people in uncomfortable situations with just a single word. According to the New York Post, Biden referred to China’s President Xi Jinping as a “dictator” during a news conference on Wednesday, causing Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visibly react to the comment.
Secretary of State Blinken Winces as Biden Throws Year of Diplomacy Down the Toilet via @WestJournalism https://t.co/6FlyDdQ8s5
— Vicki (@gojeffie24) November 17, 2023
Biden’s comment came in response to a reporter’s question about whether he still believes Xi is a dictator. The president didn’t hesitate to respond, saying, “Look, he is. He’s a dictator in the sense that he’s a guy who runs a country that is a communist country that’s based on a form of government totally different than ours.”
The impact of Biden’s blunt remark was palpable, as Blinken appeared to wince in pain and shifted uncomfortably in his chair. The moment was captured in a video that circulated on social media, and even CNN took notice of it, highlighting the secretary of state’s reaction. The First TV opinion news network captioned their version of the video by saying, “Check out Blinken’s face the moment Biden calls Xi a ‘dictator’.”
This incident is far from just a comedic moment; it has serious implications. Biden’s comment came after his four-hour meeting with Xi in San Francisco, where they presumably aimed to strengthen relations between the two countries. However, Biden’s blunt assessment of the Chinese leader could potentially strain diplomatic efforts. It raises questions about Biden’s ability to navigate delicate negotiations with foreign leaders, especially as America’s adversaries continue to probe for weaknesses.
China, with its economic and military power, is already a formidable opponent. However, its increasing ties with Russia make it an even more concerning threat. The last thing we need is for Biden to further insult a nation that could potentially play a major role in starting a war. Yet, here we are, with Biden, our “octogenarian liability-in-chief,” unable to filter his thoughts. His inability to keep his mouth shut or change the subject when necessary is a reality that was written all over Blinken’s face during the news conference.
As we deal with the challenges posed by China and other global issues, it is crucial that we have a leader who can handle the delicate work of diplomacy and understand the potential consequences of their words. Unfortunately, Biden’s comment about Xi being a dictator raises doubts about his suitability for this task.
